Local Rules Near BUR Airport

Burbank sets base ambient noise levels under BMC 9-3-208: residential zones at 55 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM), commercial zones at 65 dBA. Noise may not exceed the base ambient by more than 5 dBA for machinery and equipment, or 20 dBA for leaf blowers.

Outdoor sound amplification devices audible 75+ feet from the source are a prima facie violation under Burbank Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 3. Parks and adjacent rights-of-way have specific restrictions unless a park permit expressly authorizes amplified sound.

Burbank Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 3 sets noise standards by zone. Industrial and commercial noise must not exceed the ambient level at property boundaries in residential areas. The entertainment industry presence means the city actively monitors studio-adjacent noise.

Persistent barking constituting unnecessary, excessive, or annoying noise is prohibited under BMC Ch. 9-3. Burbank Animal Services (818-238-3340) handles animal noise complaints. Code Enforcement can also respond under the noise ordinance.

Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Title 9, Article 3 (Environmental Protection) restricts permitted construction activity to weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and city holidays. Homeowners performing their own work may work Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hired contractors follow the same Saturday window.

Burbank quiet hours are 10 PM-7 AM weekdays and 10 PM-8 AM weekends. Any sound exceeding the ambient noise level by more than 5 dBA is prima facie a violation (Burbank Municipal Code §9-3-208). Leaf blowers, construction, and vehicle repair have separate time windows in Title 9, Ch. 3.

Burbank prohibits sound amplifying equipment from operating weekdays after 9 PM or before 9 AM, and at all times on Sundays, under BMC 9-3-208. Amplified sound may not exceed 15 dBA above the ambient noise level at the affected property line. Radios and musical instruments must not exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA.

Gas-powered leaf blowers banned citywide effective January 2027 (adopted December 2025 with one-year grace period). All leaf blowers restricted in residential zones to 8 AM-6 PM, max 15 min/hr on lots under 0.5 acres, one blower per parcel, and noise may not exceed ambient by more than 20 dB.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is a major local noise source. Aircraft landings and takeoffs are prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM (local time) with exceptions. First-offense airport noise fine is $1,359; repeat offense $1,976; maximum $3,953. Managed by Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority.

Short-term rentals are effectively banned in Burbank. BMC 10-1-602 does not list STRs as a permitted or conditionally permitted use in R-1 and R-1-H residential zones. No formal permit or registration system exists.

Since STRs are not permitted in Burbank, there is no established TOT collection system for STR operators. Unauthorized rentals are subject to code enforcement action. No established STR TOT rate.

Not applicable. Short-term rentals are banned in Burbank. No STR-specific parking regulations exist.

Short-term rentals are effectively banned in Burbank. BMC 10-1-602 does not list STRs as a permitted or conditionally permitted use in R-1 and R-1-H residential zones. No formal permit or registration system exists.

Burbank effectively prohibits short-term rentals through its zoning code. Short-term rentals are not listed as a permitted or conditionally permitted use in any residential zone under BMC 10-1-602. The City Planning Board has recommended a formal ban. There is no night cap because STRs are not allowed.

STRs are banned in Burbank, so no STR-specific noise rules exist. General residential noise standards under BMC Title 9, Chapter 3 apply to all properties.

Not applicable. Short-term rentals are banned in Burbank. No occupancy limits for STRs have been established since the use is prohibited.

Not applicable. Short-term rentals are banned in Burbank. No insurance requirements for STR hosts exist since the activity is prohibited.

Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted in Burbank. Wood-burning fire pits subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn day restrictions. Areas near the Verdugo Mountains may be in Very High FHSZ with additional restrictions.

All fireworks — including Safe & Sane — are banned in Burbank. Violations result in confiscation plus citation or arrest. State penalties: $500–$1,000 fine and/or up to one year in county jail for first offense. Volunteer patrols assist enforcement.

Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Burbank Fire Department enforces brush clearance in hillside areas near the Verdugo Mountains. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) requires lean/clean/green landscaping; Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requires fuel reduction.

Outdoor burning in Burbank is subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn days and seasonal restrictions (November–February). Open burning of household trash is prohibited. Gas fire pits are generally permitted.

Burbank has designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in the hillside areas near the Verdugo Mountains. Properties in these zones face additional building requirements, vegetation management, and defensible space mandates under CA PRC 4291 and local fire codes.

Burbank supports EV adoption through Burbank Water and Power programs. CA Gov Code 65850.7 requires streamlined EV charger permitting. New construction must include EV-ready parking per CA Building Code.

Large Non-Commercial Vehicle (LNCV) permits are available for RV street parking. Overnight street parking may require residential parking permit. Contact Community Development at (818) 238-5290 for LNCV permit availability and restrictions.

Commercial vehicles used for home occupations may not have employees physically working from the residence. Oversized and commercial vehicles subject to general street parking regulations. Contact Community Development for zone-specific restrictions.

Inoperable and abandoned vehicles are code violations in Burbank. CA Vehicle Code §22651 provides authority for removal. Report to Burbank Police or Code Compliance at (818) 238-5290.

Vehicles must not block sidewalks when parked in driveways. Driveway dimensions and materials are regulated through BMC zoning standards. Front yard parking on unpaved surfaces is prohibited.

Burbank regulates overnight street parking. Vehicles parked on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours may be cited and towed per CA Vehicle Code 22651. Specific neighborhood restrictions may apply through posted signage.

Residential parking permit programs allow permitted vehicles to park on posted streets beyond time limits. Annual permits available from Community Development. RPP program in effect in many Burbank residential neighborhoods.

Pool barriers must be minimum 60 inches tall per CA Building Code Title 24, Chapter 31. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature (pool cover, alarm, or self-closing doors) mandated under the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act.

CA Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires shared cost for boundary fences. Burbank allows fence exception permits for disputes. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code 841.4.

Front yard fences over 2 ft must use open design (50% open per 1-ft section). Masonry walls up to 6 ft may add 12 inches of vinyl, wood, or metal on top. Corner cutoff areas restrict structures to 3 ft maximum below 10 ft height.

Retaining walls under 4 ft (bottom of footing to top) are permit-exempt unless supporting a surcharge. Front yard setback allows max 4 ft combined fence/retaining wall height. Only two retaining walls per front yard, min 8 ft apart (6 ft with Director approval). All downslope walls must be screened with vegetation.

In R-1 zones, front yard fences must use open design (≥50% open) for any portion over 2 feet. Side and rear yard fences may be 6 feet. Street-facing side yard up to 6 feet (up to 8 feet behind rear of dwelling). No razor, barbed, or electric wire permitted. BMC Title 10, Article 6.

Masonry/concrete walls up to 6 ft and other fences up to 7 ft are exempt from building permits. A fence exception permit is required for any fence exceeding standard height limits or other development standards. Applications go through Community Development.

CA Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 prohibits most wild and exotic animals as pets statewide. Pygmy goats allowed with a city permit (max 1 per property). Horses require permit and R-1-H zone designation with minimum 3,000 sq ft per horse.

Chickens and small livestock are regulated by zone in Burbank. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential areas due to noise. No state ban exists on backyard poultry; the city regulates through zoning.

Burbank does not have breed-specific legislation. No local breed bans are in effect. California has no statewide breed-specific ban. Standard dangerous dog provisions apply under state law.

Beekeeping is subject to state regulations and Burbank zoning. CA Food & Agricultural Code requires CDFA hive registration. Must maintain water source on premises and comply with setback requirements. Contact Burbank Planning for zone-specific rules.

Feeding wildlife is discouraged and may be cited as a nuisance under Burbank's general nuisance ordinance. Coyote awareness is a priority due to urban-wildland interface near the Verdugo Mountains.

Dogs must be on a leash when off the owner's property in Burbank. CA Food & Agricultural Code 30500+ requires statewide dog licensing. Burbank enforces leash laws through Animal Control.

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in California. No state or local permit required for residential rain barrels. Burbank Water and Power may offer rebates for rain barrel installation.

Public tree maintenance requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department under BMC Chapter 7-4. Root pruning of public trees by non-authorized persons is unlawful. Construction near public trees must protect the Tree Protection Zone.

Burbank Water and Power enforces water conservation measures including watering day/time restrictions. MWELO applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft. The city participates in regional water conservation programs and enforces drought restrictions when declared.

Burbank enforces weed and vegetation height standards through Code Enforcement. Overgrown vegetation is treated as a nuisance and fire hazard. Properties must be maintained in a neat, safe condition.

Significant tree removal may require a city permit under Burbank zoning. Protected trees (oaks and others) have special protections. Contact Community Development at (818) 238-5250 before removing large or heritage trees.

Burbank requires property owners to maintain lots free of weeds and overgrown vegetation. Violations are handled through Code Enforcement as nuisance complaints. Hillside areas have stricter vegetation management due to fire hazard zones.

Artificial turf is permitted as a water-efficient landscape option in Burbank. AB 1572 (2024) bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties. MWELO standards support turf alternatives.

CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. Burbank encourages native and drought-resistant plants through BWP rebate programs. MWELO supports water-efficient plant choices.

Home occupations in Burbank are not permitted to display signage visible from the street. The business must not alter the residential character of the property. Standard Burbank sign regulations apply.

Home occupations require a Home Occupation Permit and Business Tax Account from Burbank Community Development. The business must be office-type; employees may not physically report to or work from the home. Contact Economic Development at (818) 238-5180.

Home occupations in Burbank must not generate customer traffic to the residence. Employees cannot report to the home location. The intent is to preserve residential neighborhood character.

Cottage food operations are governed by CA AB 1616/AB 1271. Class A (direct sales) requires county registration; Class B (indirect sales) requires a county health permit. Burbank requires a business license for all home businesses. Annual gross sales capped at $75,000 for Class B.

Family child care homes are protected by CA SB 234 (effective 2020). Cities cannot require zoning permits, special spacing, or concentration limits for family daycare. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) and large family daycare (up to 14 children) are permitted in residential zones by right.

Hot tubs follow the same permitting and safety requirements as pools under CA Building Code. Prefabricated hot tubs may qualify for permit exemption if meeting size thresholds. Hot tubs are excluded from lot coverage when not enclosed in roofed structures.

Pool fencing must be at minimum 60 inches tall per CA Building Code Title 24. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature mandatory under CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929).

All residential pools must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act and Virginia Graeme Baker Act. At least two drowning prevention features required for new/remodeled pools. Anti-entrapment drain covers mandatory.

Building permits are required for in-ground pool construction in Burbank. Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons (entirely above ground) are exempt. Pool size and shape are not restricted beyond setback compliance. Community Development handles permits.

Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons do not require a building permit in Burbank. Safety barriers still required. Pools are excluded from lot coverage calculations if not enclosed in roofed structures.

Burbank allows conversion of existing garages and accessory structures to ADUs or JADUs under BMC §10-1-620.3, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. No replacement parking is required when an existing garage is converted to an ADU, and the existing structure's setbacks are grandfathered for the conversion footprint.

Carports are regulated as accessory structures under BMC Title 10 zoning. Building permits required. Carports may encroach into side/rear setbacks to minimum 3 ft only when in the rear one-third of the lot.

Accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) in Burbank require building permits for those over 120 sq ft. Must meet setback requirements per BMC Title 10 zoning. In Mountain Fire Zones, fire-resistant materials are required.

Burbank regulates ADUs and JADUs under Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Title 10, Article 6, Division 3 (§§10-1-620.3 through 10-1-620.7), as updated by Ordinance 23-4,002 effective December 8, 2023 to align with California Government Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, attached ADUs at 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft with an 800 sq ft floor, and JADUs at 500 sq ft.

Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as RVs and are not permitted as permanent dwellings. Burbank allows ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft detached.

Burbank complies with the LA County MS4 NPDES permit for stormwater management. Development projects must implement BMPs for stormwater quality. Construction sites require erosion and sediment control plans.

Portions of Burbank near the Los Angeles River and Tujunga Wash are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Properties in Zone A or AE may require flood insurance and elevated construction. Contact Public Works at (818) 238-3915 or check FEMA maps at msc.fema.gov.

Construction projects must implement erosion and sediment control measures per the NPDES permit. Hillside areas near the Verdugo Mountains face additional grading and erosion requirements. SWPPP may be required for sites over 1 acre.

Grading permits are required for significant earth-moving activities in Burbank. Hillside development near the Verdugo Mountains has additional grading restrictions. Drainage must be directed to approved outlets per city engineering standards.

Not applicable to Burbank. The city is an inland community in the San Fernando Valley with no coastal zone. California Coastal Commission jurisdiction does not extend to Burbank.

Indoor cultivation of up to 6 mature or 12 immature cannabis plants is permitted for personal medical use under state law. Recreational home cultivation of up to 6 plants is legal per Prop 64. Plants must not be visible from public areas.

Cannabis dispensaries are expressly prohibited in Burbank. No commercial cannabis operations or delivery services are allowed. Primary caregivers may deliver to up to 5 patients under the caregiver exemption.

Burbank offers automated instant solar permits for residential roof-mounted systems up to 38.4 kW through a partnership with Symbium Corp. Larger or commercial systems require traditional plan review. BWP handles interconnection. Building permit required for all installations.

CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar panel installation. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements but cannot effectively prohibit solar. Any restriction reducing system efficiency by more than 10% is void.

Signs for garage sales must comply with Burbank's sign regulations. Temporary signs on public right-of-way are generally prohibited. Signs should be placed on the property hosting the sale and removed promptly after the event.

Holiday displays on private residential property are generally permitted in Burbank. Displays should not create traffic hazards or violate noise ordinances. Excessive lighting may be subject to neighbor complaints.

Political signs are protected by the First Amendment and CA Elections Code 18310. Cities cannot prohibit political signs on private residential property. Time, place, and manner restrictions may apply but cannot be content-based.

Burbank Code Enforcement enforces property maintenance, zoning, and unpermitted construction standards. Blighted properties are addressed through the BMC nuisance provisions. Report issues via OurBurbank 311 app or (818) 238-3800.

Vacant lots must be maintained free of weeds, debris, and fire hazards under Burbank's code enforcement standards. Property owners are liable for lot conditions. Violations reported through OurBurbank 311.

Snow is extremely rare in Burbank due to its Southern California climate. No snow removal ordinance exists. Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of debris and obstructions under general property maintenance standards.

A Garage Sale Permit from Community Development is required. Sales limited to 2 consecutive days, maximum 2 permits per premises per 12 months. Seller must be owner/occupant and file an affidavit. Replacement permits available within 14 days for weather cancellations.

Trash bins must be placed at the curb with 3 ft clearance from parked cars, trees, mailboxes, and other objects for automated collection. Collection runs Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-3:30 PM. Rolloff bins on city streets require a Street Use Permit (14 days max).

Burbank does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. CA Title 24 energy standards govern outdoor lighting efficiency. The city's proximity to Hollywood Burbank Airport may impose some lighting restrictions in approach zones.

Outdoor lighting that creates a nuisance to neighboring properties may be addressed through Burbank's general nuisance provisions. No specific foot-candle threshold is published. CA Title 24 governs energy efficiency of outdoor fixtures.

Burbank does NOT operate a proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program. The City launched a Housing Enforcement Unit (HEU) in March 2025 to investigate complaints under the Burbank Tenant Protection Ordinance (BMC Title 5, Chapter 4), but the HEU is complaint-driven, not a routine inspection program. There is no general rental-registration requirement, no annual per-unit fee, and no scheduled apartment-inspection cycle. State habitability law (Cal. Civil Code § 1941.1) governs minimum conditions.

Burbank adopted a Tenant Protection Ordinance (No. 24-4,014) effective August 31, 2024. Requires just cause for evictions per CA Civil Code 1946.2. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance of 3 months rent (exceeding state minimum of 1 month). Anti-retaliation and anti-harassment protections added in 2025.

Burbank does not currently have a mandatory rental registration program. The Tenant Protection Ordinance focuses on eviction protections and relocation assistance rather than unit registration. State law AB 1482 applies to covered units.

Burbank does not have a local rent control ordinance. State law AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) applies, capping rent increases at 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, over 12 months. The city has been conducting a Rent Cap Study to explore local rent stabilization measures.

Containers placed at curbside for collection. Minimum 3 ft clearance required from parked cars, trees, mailboxes, fences, and lampposts. Most alleys too narrow for automated trucks. Street-placed rolloff bins require barricades with flashers.

Schedule bulky item pickup via OurBurbank 311 app or call (818) 238-3800 at least 2 business days before trash day. Standard items free; appliances with refrigerants cost $12.14 special handling fee. Auto parts and construction debris not accepted. Temporary dumpsters available for rent.

Mandatory recycling and organics separation required under SB 1383. Blue bin for recyclables, green bin for organics/yard waste. Commercial businesses must also comply. Athens Services handles commercial waste. New requirements phased in since 2022.

Trash, recycling, and organic waste collected weekly by the city Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-3:30 PM. Three containers provided: blue (recycling), green (organic/green waste), black (trash). SB 1383 organics recycling required. Start service by calling BWP at (818) 238-3700.

Recreational drone use in Burbank is heavily restricted due to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) airspace. FAA Part 107 rules and LAANC authorization required. Much of the city falls within controlled airspace. B4UFLY app should be consulted before flying.

Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization due to proximity to Hollywood Burbank Airport. Film industry drone use is common but must comply with FAA waivers and city film permit requirements.

Food truck vending locations are regulated by Burbank zoning and right-of-way rules. Vendors must comply with location restrictions including minimum distances from brick-and-mortar restaurants. Special event permits may be required.

Food trucks operating in Burbank require a CA mobile food facility permit from the LA County Department of Public Health, a CA seller's permit, and a Burbank business license. Health department inspections required. Commissary agreement mandatory per CalCode.

Door-to-door solicitors in Burbank must comply with local solicitation regulations. Business licenses may be required for commercial solicitors. Charitable solicitation has separate requirements under state law.

Residents may post No Soliciting signs to deter unwanted solicitors. Violating a posted No Soliciting sign may constitute trespassing under CA Penal Code 602. The city enforces anti-solicitation rules through police response.

Burbank parks close at posted hours, typically dusk or 10 PM. Persons in parks after closing hours are subject to citation. The Parks and Recreation Department manages park hours and enforcement.

Burbank enforces a juvenile curfew for minors. Specific hours and age thresholds are set by local ordinance, consistent with many LA County cities. Exceptions include minors accompanied by parents, traveling to/from work, or engaged in emergencies.

Burbank uses an averaging method for front yard setbacks: determined by average of lots within 250 ft on the same block. Side yard setbacks are calculated as a percentage of lot width. Accessory structures may encroach to 3 ft in rear one-third of lot.

Maximum lot coverage in Burbank is 50% of net lot area. Lots under 6,000 sq ft may exceed 50% with a Single Family Development Permit. Pools, hot tubs, and up to two small accessory structures under 120 sq ft are excluded from calculations.

Burbank regulates building heights by zone under BMC Title 10, Article 13. Residential zones have specific height caps. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest point of the structure.

A public tree removal permit is required to remove any public tree under BMC Chapter 7-4. The permittee must pay the full valuation of the tree being removed plus the cost of a replacement tree. Replacement species and location determined by the Director.

Public trees removed for construction must be replaced with a tree of size, species, and location determined by the Parks & Recreation Director per the Master Street Tree Plan. The permittee pays all valuation and replacement costs.

Burbank does not have a standalone heritage tree ordinance for private property. Public trees are protected under BMC Chapter 7-4. The Master Street Tree Plan guides species and placement for public trees.

Garage sales are limited to 2 consecutive days per permit. Sales must comply with residential noise standards. Specific operating hours are set by the permit conditions.

A Garage Sale Permit is required from the Community Development Department. Seller must be an owner or occupant and file an affidavit. Only personal property may be sold.

Maximum 2 garage sale permits per premises per 12-month period. Each sale limited to 2 consecutive days. Replacement permits available within 14 days for weather cancellations.